How to choose packaging to preserve food for a long time

Food packaging plays an important role for both chefs in preserving ingredients for long-term use, as well as for customers and the general public who want to buy food to take home or deliver. Therefore, it is not only necessary to preserve food, but also to be beautiful and in line with the changing behavior of people in the present era.

What is in food packaging?

1. Plastic packaging

It is the most commonly seen and used food packaging, such as plastic can packaging, because it is easy to use, convenient, easy to care for and manage easier than other types of packaging, can be used and discarded, is also cheap, and has many styles to choose from. Therefore, it is popularly used for packaging food for take-away and delivery. It is suitable for all types of food, whether it is water, rice, meat, vegetables, etc., can be put in hot, cold, or frozen. Because of its properties that can prevent water and air from penetrating, it can also be used to store and preserve food for a long time. But the disadvantage is that it is not naturally biodegradable. Therefore, if it is not recycled properly, it may cause environmental pollution.

2. Paper packa​ging

As global warming and environmental pollution become more severe, people are starting to realize the problems caused by using plastic food packaging. Paper packaging has become an alternative for the new generation, including those who want to conserve the environment, which is increasingly used to package food, especially delivery items, because it is naturally biodegradable and suitable for single-use. However, due to its properties that are not very waterproof and oil-resistant, when in use, it may need to be covered with other materials to prevent leakage, such as wax paper or plastic, under the food. This type of packaging is therefore suitable for packaging dry food, especially boxed rice and small dry food, such as fried chicken, bakery goods, and sandwiches. However, the disadvantage is that it is expensive. However, if anyone is interested in environmental issues and wants to conserve it, including using it as a selling point for being environmentally friendly, it is recommended to use paper packaging.

3. Foam packaging

Foam is similar to plastic in that it is easy to use, convenient, easy to care for and manage easier than other types of packaging. It is lightweight, can be used once and then discarded, and is cheap. Street food restaurants or made-to-order restaurants often use foam to pack food for take-away and delivery because it is suitable for all types of food. However, since it cannot naturally decompose and is the main cause of environmental problems, the government has announced the cancellation of the use of foam for food packaging by 2022. So if anyone is using foam, don't forget to stop using it and use other food packaging instead.

4. Glass packaging

With its ability to prevent water, moisture and air very well, including being able to be colored to make it beautiful, adding value to the product, making glass packaging another popular food packaging. Mostly used to pack liquids such as drinking water, vitamin and mineral water, alcoholic beverages, etc. The advantage is that it can be recycled for reuse. The disadvantage is that it is expensive to make, quite fragile, easy to break, so special care must be taken when moving or transporting.

5. Metal packaging

It is another type of packaging that is popular for packing food because it is strong and durable, can be transported over long distances, and can preserve the quality of food for a long time. It is widely used in products that must go through a heat sterilization process. It is suitable for both food and beverages. It is mostly packed in the form of canned food and canned drinks.

6. Natural packaging

In Thailand, we have known the use of natural materials for food packaging since ancient times, such as banana leaves, pandan leaves, coconut shells, bamboo tubes, etc. However, due to their appearance that does not meet the needs of modern people, the use of these materials has decreased every day. However, with the growing trend of environmental conservation, which has led to a campaign to reduce the use of plastic more, other natural materials have been used to make containers for plates or boxes to replace the use of foam bowls or plastic boxes, such as rice boxes made from sugarcane bagasse, cups and bowls made from banana fibers, and betel leaf plates, which show the creativity and efforts of the new generation to reduce the use of plastic and use more natural materials. Although it is expensive, it can be used as a selling point to be an eco-friendly restaurant, which will meet the needs of the new generation, who are increasingly placing importance on this issue.